After 2.5 years of isolation requirements following a Covid-19 positive, isolation requirements, and the accompanying government isolation payments, come to an end on 14 October 2022.
Following a National Cabinet meeting a fortnight ago, and the adoption by the States, the removal of isolation requirements marks a much called for national move that avoids the additional confusion of States and Territories being out of step.
“While I am almost giddy at the idea of a change that is occurring everywhere at the same time, there are exceptions”, explains ACAPMA’s Elisha Radwanowski.
“Those in high-risk settings, including aged care and disability will still be required to isolate, and will have access to the payments, but for fuel retail, wholesale and admin staff are expected to manage Covid isolation as they do isolation for any other illness”, continued Elisha.
“Namely, to stay home if they are sick”.
“From a business perspective it is important that this change is reflected in the risk assessments at work – Covid-19 remains a risk that the business must manage. Practically this means considering what measures and behaviours the business expects of Covid-19 Positive Workers”, explained Elisha.
“For example, if the workers are working alone, such as a fuel driver, then an appropriate control would be the employee reporting their positive status, confirming higher levels of cleaning of the cab of the vehicle and ensuring mask wearing when coming into contact with others.
“When you are talking about fuel retail staff it would be appropriate for them to be instructed to be masked for the five to seven days after a positive test.
“All businesses need to document and communicate to staff what the expectations of the business are when they test positive. This will ensure that issues such as mask exemptions, face shields as a back-up or alternative duties can be dealt with before a staff member tests positive, rather than on the day when staffing is already stretched”, concluded Elisha.
Here to help
HR and Safety Highlights are things to consider, implement and watch out for in your business. They are provided as general information for you to consider and do not constitute advice. You should seek further advice on your situation by contacting your legal advisor.
ACAPMA members can access resources and receive advice, guidance and support from the ACAPMA employment professionals via employment@acapma.com.au, it’s free for members. ACAPMA Membership delivers this and more benefits, see https://acapma.com.au/membership/ for more information.
Elisha Radwanowski BCom (HRM&IR)
ACAPMA
Source: https://acapmag.com.au/2022/10/covid-isolation-is-gone-but-the-risk-is-not/.
